Tropical Storm — Ponce and Vicinity, Puerto Rico

2001-08-22 to 2001-08-23 · Ponce and Vicinity, Puerto Rico

Wider weather episode

Tropical storm Dean formed from a tropical wave in the vicinity of the Virgin Islands on Wednesday August 22. The storm moved northwest to north of Puerto Rico during the day and Thursday morning while weakening. Its major effects over Puerto Rico was flooding. The most affected areas were the east and south sections of Puerto Rico where widespread flooding were reported. Two bridges collapsed, one in Juana Diaz and another in Guayama. A street in Ponce collapsed. Around 1,320 homes were reported flooded and a number of highways were reported underwater over the south and east sections. In addition, the heavy rains left various towns without electrical power and water and 132 persons in shelters Thursday morning. An incident occurred in Naguabo where an automobile with four persons on board was swept by a swollen stream, but the occupants were rescued later unharmed. Others incidents occurred in Penuelas and Carolina where the heavy rains caused two tarpaulin or vinyl lined roofs to collapse. Two persons suffered minor injuries in Penuelas. Rainfall reports showed between 8 to more than 12 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The largest amounts were observed in Salinas with 12.70 inches, San Lorenzo 9.78 inches, Ponce 8.99 inches and Coamo with 8.00 inches. Maximum sustained wind observed at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan was 23 mph at 749 pm on August 22 and a peak gust of 30 mph at 748 pm. Maximum sustained wind at Ceiba Naval Station Roosevelt Roads was 31mph at 218 pm on August 22 and a peak gust of 36 mph at 217 pm.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5264458. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.